Lansing Articles

Greater Lansing CVB to Host Two Hospitality Events in Recognition of National Tourism Week

April 23, 2015

LANSING, Mich.
- The Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau (GLCVB), through its
Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) program, will host two hospitality events as
part of National Tourism Week, May 2-10, 2015.

The first event is a CTA mixer at the newly renovated
Cooley Law School Stadium on May 3rd. Along with networking, CTA's
in attendance will be made aware of all the changes to the ballpark so they are
equipped to share this info with the numerous visitors they encounter. The
second event is a tourism impact awareness day for area taxi service organizations
on May 7th. Taxi/transportation providers are encouraged to stop by
the Greater Lansing Visitor Center at 500 E. Michigan Ave., Suite 180, Lansing
from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. for refreshments and information regarding the CTA
program, the value of tourism in Greater Lansing as well as visitor information
resources.

"Our downtown ball park and area taxi
service are two major visitor first-impression touch-points for our community,"
said Julie Pingston, CTA, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for
the GLCVB. "National Tourism Week seemed like a fitting time to hold events at
two strong visitor hubs and help refuel the enthusiasm of our nearly 500
Greater Lansing Certified Tourism Ambassadors."

According to a 2013 study
performed by the Anderson Economic Group, the Greater Lansing region welcomes
4.7 million visitors every year, generating an annual economic impact of over
$472 million dollars. While that influx of outside spending is great for local
businesses, there is more; Lots of local jobs. Research shows that over 6,400
Greater Lansing area residents work in fields that help support visitors to the
area. Last year, Greater Lansing residents earned $140 million in wages working
in the tourism industry and then used that money building a life in our community.
A healthy tourism industry helps provide significant tax relief for area
residents as well. Guests to our region pay taxes on fuel, lodging, food and
much more. The total is an average of over $22 million in state taxes annually
and $395 million to the Greater Lansing GDP.